Film As Therapy

This chapter explores the therapeutic potential of film as both a reflective and creative medium within the field of media psychology. It examines two complementary approaches: cinema therapy, which utilizes the viewing of films for emotional insight, and participatory therapeutic filmmaking, which empowers individuals to process trauma through the act of filmmaking. Drawing on personal experience, case studies including veterans in the “I Was There” project and students at the AREMI center and reflective practices, the chapter argues that film can serve as both a mirror and a creative tool for healing. It also highlights the emerging role of embodied video practices and new technologies, such as AI, in expanding the scope of film/video-based therapy. Through both structured interventions and self-guided exploration, film enables emotional expression, identity reconstruction, and narrative reclamation. The chapter situates these practices within broader conversations around trauma, resilience, and creative agency, offering a compelling case for film as a versatile and inclusive therapeutic tool.